North County Water & Sports Therapy Center - July 2022

TIME FOR A GUT CHECK 5 WAYS TO NATURALLY IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR STOMACH

If you’ve ever attended an event with older adults, digestion is bound to come up at some point! As we age, our guts sometimes have a difficult time keeping up, causing stomach issues and complications. When people talk about having a “healthy gut,” they are talking about having a good balance of beneficial bacteria and microbes within their digestive tract. Here are some natural ways to keep things healthy and moving along properly: Eat foods rich in fiber. Fiber, found naturally in many foods, including sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, fennel, beans, broccoli, berries, and whole grains, stimulates the growth of the good bacteria that keeps your gut performing in a healthy way. Fiber is also a great way to relieve or prevent constipation! Get moving. Exercising regularly helps to ensure that everything else in your digestive system moves along regularly too! Research shows that regular exercise promotes

the risk of irritable bowel syndrome, so managing stress can lead to better intestinal health.

Drink plenty of water. Hydration plays a key role in both softening and bulking up stools, making them easier to pass through the digestive system. It should be noted that liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee or tea, can actually have the opposite effect on your body. Take your probiotics. Probiotics occur naturally in your gut. They help to reduce adverse symptoms of digestion, such as pain, discomfort, bloating, and gas. Ask your doctor to recommend a beneficial probiotic to incorporate into your daily lifestyle.

the growth of different types of beneficial bacteria within both animal and human digestive systems.

Reduce stress levels. Did you know that when you’re stressed out, your mental state is affected as well as your stomach and gut, as they are intimately connected? By keeping your cortisol levels low, you can eliminate and prevent some uncomfortable gastrointestinal complications. Stress, research suggests, increases

A healthy gut yields a stronger immune system, comfortable and effective digestion, and an overall better mood! With these tips, you’ll be on your way to a healthier digestive system! PATIENT SUCCESS STORY

“Surf camp was a massive success! Five days of surfing in a row with about 2– 2 1/2 hours of surfing on average a day. I went out for two sessions each day with zero issues. Even though I was tired, I still did my rehab every day, and it kept me going. I caught more waves in just the first three days then I have in the last six months! Thank you so much, Beth. I’m so overjoyed I am capable of doing this pain-free!” –Josh N.

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